Last Sunday, we had to put down our little cat Smudgie. She was 19 years old, and had, until the past week, still looked like a kitten. But 19 is a long life for a cat, so I won't spend a lot of time mourning. I'd rather remember, and will do so with some haiga I've put together over the years.
This one, was written for her last summer, but she is not the cat in the photograph:
This is Smudgie (on the left) with Skippy (now 6 years old):
A holiday haiga. And perfect for this week!
Winter--our least favorite time of year. Especially this year. Poor skinny little Smudgie sat so close to the radiator I was afraid she would burst into flame!
Smudgie was known to take a lick of the sugar on a Peep:
Celebrating our favorite time of year--spring, and our favorite fragrant flower--hyacinth.
I have many more cat haiga, but they're mostly photos of Skippy, who never shuts her eyes when having her picture taken! Smudgie will be missed. Life goes on.
And so does Poetry Friday. You can see all the other poetry posts gathered by Cathy at Merely Day by Day.
All haiga © Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
These poems are a lovely tribute to your sweet girl. The "old, old cat" poem spoke to me. The image made me think of my own gray tabby. Sending a hug.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura.
DeleteWe are a family with cats, 2 inside, 2 outside. We've always had cats, so your loss is understood. Even though they are independent, cats fill a space in our hearts. They each have a unique personality. I love your tribute to Smudgie. Sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely have unique personalities!
DeleteVery touching post, Diane. You obviously loved her very much. Although it's hard to pick, I think your "old old cat" haiga is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI think I like bookends the best if only because it has a hope of spring in it! They've issued a "blizzard watch" this morning!
DeleteDiane, I agree with you on the bookends' poem. It is simple but telling. Even the animals wait patiently for new light. This gallery of posts are a wonderful tribute to your dear cat for all of us to enjoy.
DeleteI've had a lifelong love affair with kitties, too, and can't imagine life without them. Saying goodbye is hard beyond words, but your poems celebrating Smudgie give us a glimpse into how wonderful she was. [Really love "winter rain".]
ReplyDelete{{hugs}}
Hugs always appreciated!
DeleteWhat a great tribute to Smudgie. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tricia!
DeleteShe was so beautiful-- and quite a muse for you. Enjoyed this tribute in words and pictures (love her whiskers)!
ReplyDeleteA haiku poet couldn't ask for a better one!
DeleteThis is so beautiful, Diane. What a wonderful tribute!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, my friend!
DeleteSo many wonderful memories captured in haiga. Sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteCathy
Thank you, Cathy!
DeleteSmudgie reminds me of my own companion growing up, Tiggy. Originally mine (if a cat can truly "belong" to anyone), when I left home, she and my mother became best of friends. Like Smudgie, she lived to a ripe old age, and her passing was very hard on my mother, as I imagine it is for you. Thank you for sharing this touching tribute, Diane. Love to you... and Skippy too, who also must be feeling the emptiness.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. I'm not sure about Skippy--she seems to continue along as usual. I'd call her a strange duck, but it somehow doesn't fit a cat.
DeleteThese all tug at my heart. Remembering my old, old kitty who carried her skinny bag of bones into her twenties and was always allowed to linger too long in laps (and under the covers)...and my mom's old, old kitty who joined her sister when I was home at Christmastime, leaving mom's house much to quiet and very lonely.
ReplyDeleteIt is so quiet here now, too. Smudge was a teensy cat with a robust voice that she used all the time. Skippy is a zaftig cat, with a teensy voice that she rarely uses.
DeleteAh, sweet Smudgie. Hugs to you, friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keri. <3
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